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Canadian UNICEF Representatives in Haiti Available to Discuss Earthquake Relief Efforts

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 26, 2010) - UNICEF is reaching children in Haiti with life-saving support and continues to coordinate and deliver humanitarian relief efforts as the designated lead agency responsible for water and sanitation, nutrition, child protection and education. Child protection specialists on the ground are also working to address the growing concerns for children separated from families who face increased risks of malnutrition and disease, trafficking, sexual exploitation and serious emotional trauma.

Expert estimates suggest that 46 per cent of Haiti's nearly 10 million people are under 18 years of age. The special needs of children must be factored in at the very outset of relief efforts.

Spokespeople from the UNICEF Canada office and other Canadians who work with UNICEF are in Haiti and are available for English and French interviews with media.

Who:

Canadian UNICEF officers in Haiti

Nigel Fisher, UNICEF Canada President and CEO, from Panama

at the Americas and the Caribbean Regional Office

UNICEF officers in the Dominican Republic

What:

Up-to-the minute reports from Haiti and comment on post-emergency recovery.

When:

January 25 to February 5, 2010

Donations to UNICEF Canada can be made online at www.unicef.ca or by calling 1-877-955-3111.

About UNICEF

UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca.

Contact Information

For more information or to arrange an interview
with spokespeople, please contact: UNICEF Canada
Kathleen Powderley
416 803 5597kpowderley@unicef.ca